Farmers dump up to 5 tons of unsold carrots in Benguet

Up to 5 tons of carrots were disposed in Benguet after farmers were unable to sell them even at a very low price.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Ian Cruz Thursday, farmers they were not able to sell the carrots even if the price was at P3 per kilo at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Center.

The Benguet Agri-Pinoy Center clarified that the carrots that were carrots were not brought to them, according to a separate report that aired on "24 Oras" Friday.

"All carrots delivered by local farmers to our Center are sold, even if it required local prices," according to a statement.

"In exceptional cases where carrots may go unsold, our facilitators take the initiative to facilitate donations to institutions while ensuring that farmers receive appropriate compensation."

The Center also said they have initiatives to address the challenges of vegetable dumping and fluctuation of prices in the market.

In Barangay Dominican Hill and Mirador Hill, residents crowd over 10 sacks of carrots that have been donated for free.

Farmers said they would lose more money if they replant the produce.

The Department of Agriculture said they will not issue any comment while they conduct investigations on the matter.

Meanwhile, Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said they have monitored carrot prices in Benguet dropping down to P3 to P10 per kilogram depending on the size and quality of the produce.

“Maraming supply ngayon kaya bumagsak ang presyo… Siguro, i-contact natin yung FTI kung pwedeng mag-allocate ng espasyo para dito sa mga carrots and para mailagay sa tamang temperature, para at least ay hindi malugi ang ating mga magsasaka,” said SINAG President Rosendo So.

(There’s a lot of supply at the moment so the prices dropped… I think we can contact FTI if they could allocate a space for these carrots and so that they can store these at the right temperature, so that the farmers will not face any losses.)

In a public market in Pasay, vegetable sellers said that prices of carrots have also dropped since the holidays.

“Noong holiday po, medyo mataas siya, P80. Ngayon po, hanggang P50,” said vendor Jocelyn Tresreyes Vibal.

(During the holidays it was high, P80. Now, it’s down to P50.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News